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Wrapping the nylon thread around the needle to tie the last knot I nod at my work in satisfaction. Another good job.
I wipe away the blood, clean the wound one last time, and then place a fresh bandage over it.
I pull the blanket over the guy and leave.
Back at the nurses' station, I find Sarah reading a magazine.
"He's out cold. I think we can just leave him there for an hour or two to sleep it off."
I say, leaning against the counter, sliding the folder beneath the wooden edge.
"He can chill there as long as we don't need the room. If we need the room he's going to have to get his high ass off the bed and sleep it off in the waiting room."
"Fair enough. Who's next?"
"That was the last one. Seems to be quieter now. Do you want to go and check on Elle? I'll just call you if I need you."
"Are you sure?" I ask, hopeful. I haven't had a chance to see her tonight.
"Obviously I'm sure." She chuckles. "Send her my love."
I'm on duty with Sarah for the entire night shift so we'll both be here until six.
Now that the rush is over I can finally go and sit with Elle.
During night shifts I mostly find her fast asleep, but there are some nights when the pain is so bad that she lays awake, uncomfortable, and struggling. Then I am glad to be here with her, just to hold her hand and read her stories, because that's all I can actually do.
Tonight though, thankfully, she is asleep and looking peaceful.
I stare down at her beautiful little face.
I haven't told her about moving in with Stefano yet. I'm not sure how to explain it to her. She is going to have so many questions that I can't answer.
Well - that I don't want to answer.
I reach out to touch her cheek but then pull my hand back again. I don't want to disturb her, not when she is this peaceful.
I walk over to the sofa near her bed.
I lift my legs up on the single-seater chair and curl them beneath me, snuggling myself in comfortably.
Leaning my head against the back I close my eyes for a moment. I really need to try and get more sleep. I can't go on like this. I'll run myself down to the bone and I won't be able to do anything for Elle or for my own patients. I'm no good to anyone like this.
But the constant stress Stefano has placed me under, I don't know how to handle it. It's all new to me and I'm not sure what his intentions are for me or Elle. I should have left the country. I should have gotten further away.
I sigh softly. There's no point in thinking about what should have or could have now.
Listening to the gentle beeping of Elle's heart monitor is soothing.
I start drifting off to sleep.
"Ehem." A male voice cleared his throat, a polite gesture to pull me back awake.
For a moment my subconscious tells me to just ignore it and keep resting, but of course, I can't do that. I am on duty after all.
I open my eyes and to my surprise I find Matteo staring down at me, his hands in his pockets and a smile on his face.
"Sorry, you looked so peaceful, but I came to check in, to see if everything was going ok?"
